The Bradford City Water and Sanitary Authorities are encouraging renters affected by COVID-19 to apply for assistance with paying their utility bills associated with water, sewer and storm costs.

The McKean County Department of Human Services announced at their meeting on Tuesday that the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) has kicked off. Eligible households can apply for full payment of utility arrears for up to 12 months for arrearages that have been accrued after March 13, 2020.

Bradford City Water and Sanitary services such as water, sewer and storm costs would be eligible under this program. Renters need to apply as soon as possible to ensure the full allocation of funds remains available to McKean County residents. Landlords may also apply on behalf of their renters.

Nearly $2.5 million is available for county residents and will be distributed to landlords and utility companies on behalf of eligible renters.

Those renters eligible for the assistance and utilizing Bradford City Water and Sanitary services will see those funds sent directly to the Bradford Water and Sanitary Authorities.

To apply, people can visit https://www.compass.state.pa.us/Compass.Web/RAP/Application or call the Redevelopment and Housing Authority at 814-887-5563 Ext 412 and speak with Michelle Hatch.

Eligibility requirements include having an income at or below $36,350 for a single-person household or $68,550 for an eight-person household.

Anyone knowing of any renters having hard times due to COVID-19 are encouraged to notify them that this program exists for their benefit.

Renters needing additional information relative to Bradford City Water and Sanitary bills and how they could benefit from this assistance can also call 814-368-6254.